DLA scores victory for Rangers FC…

DLA has scored a victory for new client Rangers FC, winning the first Scottish civil action against street-traders selling counterfeit football shirts.The work came to DLA regulatory solicitor Diane Turner through Rangers’ brand protection manager Alistair Campbell. The club’s regular adviser is Dundas & Wilson.In what is believed to be the first civil case since Arsenal won against street trader Matthew Reed at the European Court of Justice last year, and the first civil case in Scotland, the court found in favour of the Scottish club. A hearing for damages will now take place.The victory against the three brothers, Iain, Stephen and Gordon Penman, who regularly sold counterfeit scarves and T-shirts outside the football ground, is likely to pave the way for further actions – and more work for DLA.Turner said that there are around 20-30 street traders currently selling counterfeit goods outside the Rangers’ ground. He said: “The club is likely to continue and take further action.”The club first decided to take civil action against the street traders after two criminal trials in April and July collapsed. “Because of the criminal cases collapsing, there was a reluctance by the prosecuting authorities to do very much about the issue,” said Turner.